Voice over Internet Protocol, also typically called VoIP, has been a major player in the Alaska communications industry since 2004. It's hard to imagine that under a decade ago the idea of using anything other than a phone to make a call was innovative. Today, VoIP phone services have become commonplace on the consumer market, giving millions of people the ability to carry out conversations around the world.
How Does Alaska VoIP Phone Service Work?
VoIP is a group of technologies that deliver voice communications using the internet. In order to do this, the analog voice signal must be digitized, encoded and transmitted as Internet Protocol packets which is then received, decoded and converted to the appropriate signal depending on the call's final destination.
VoIP calls in Alaska are placed using either a computer, VoIP phone or conventional telephone that is hooked up to an adapter. With AK VoIP phone service calls can be made to either a phone or another computer, providing you with more flexibility in the way you communicate with family, friends and business associates.
How VoIP Compares to Other Phone Services in Alaska
There are many similarities and differences between Alaska VoIP and traditional phone services.
Similarities
Just like traditional phone service, VoIP customers in Alaska can make local, long distance and also international calls. Calls can be made to any telephone number whether it's a landline or a mobile phone.
VoIP phone calls provide good sound quality and calls are received just like you would receive a traditional phone call if you are using a VoIP phone or regular phone that's connected to an adapter. The people you're calling will not be able to distinguish a traditional call from a VoIP call.
Alaska VoIP providers offer customers the same great calling features as traditional phone companies and they have various calling plans as well.
Differences
Unlike traditional phone services in Alaska, you'll need an internet connection to make VoIP phone calls. Due to this you might not have the ability to place calls if your power goes out. Before you sign up for service ask the provider if they have backup power or another solution in cases where your power goes out.
VoIP calls are delivered over a packet switched network and don't require any phone lines, whereas traditional phone services a delivered over the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and require phone lines in order to receive service. So traditional phone service is restricted to your residence while VoIP service can be portal and utilized from any spot that has an internet connection.
However, this portability does have one drawback that isn't an issue with traditional phone service. Emergency 911 calls made using a traditional phone service goes to a Public Safety Answering Point where the location and phone number can automatically and easily be identified. If you're using a VoIP phone service this information might not be automatically transmitted to 911 operators and when they do the location will be where the Alaska VoIP phone service is registered, not where the caller is at that exact time.
How to Find Top Alaska VoIP Phone Service Providers
Today there are a lot of Alaska VoIP providers from which to choose that offer both residential and business phone services. As outlined above, each provider offers their own unique services, plans and prices. Because VoIP phone service doesn't require phone lines you aren't limited to providers that are strictly in your area.
Make sure to find out about the equipment required for service, their policy for handling 911 calls and power outages, what calling areas are built into their plans and if you'll have any installation fees.
Vonage was among the first to provide VoIP phone services and to this day remains a well known choice among consumers. Although their headquarters are in the U.S. they provide service worldwide for both businesses and residences.
Other top Alaska VoIP providers include: AT&T, Nextiva, RingCentral, Vocalocity and 8x8, Inc.
Get the best deals on VoIP phone service today. Check to see which providers have the best VoIP phone plans and prices in your area by calling the toll free number above or using the secure search form.
